Last Day of #GiveItUp4Peace!
Six weeks ago today, PeaceGeeks launched the #GiveItUp4Peace campaign. For 31 days, our team and supporters gave up something “they couldn’t live without.” Cherrie gave up hot showers, Ran gave up his shoes (and shared how difficult that was because people thought he was homeless), Mustafa and Amelia gave up coffee, Pablo gave up sugar, lots of people gave up alcohol, Gabi gave up iPhone functionality, Keefer gave up animal products and Jenna gave up plastic — to name but a few of the amazing challenges our community took on in October. And as you all know, I gave up my bed, along with the news and alcohol.
Thirty one days of sleeping on the floor reminded me that humans are resilient and can adapt to just about anything. Thirty one days without news taught me that by talking to people, you can get the news you need, prevent yourself from getting overwhelming and use that time more wisely for — well just about anything, while still engaging responsibly in civic matters. Thirty one days without alcohol taught me that I am happier and more resilient without alcohol — though I still thoroughly enjoyed my first beer after the campaign was over.
Thirty one days of the campaign also taught me what an AMAZING team and community we have. #GiveItUp4Peace campaigns are incredible and exhausting experiences. A campaign like this comes together because a lot of amazing people dare to take on a challenge and a lot of work to make this a success. Like our long-standing partners — Affinity Bridge and Axiom Zen — and new ones — such as AirBnb, RightMesh, Flipboard, Lighthouse Labs, and RED Academy who all took on this year’s challenge. With just 5 hours to go, we have just under $500 left to raise
Because the campaign coincided with both with the arrival of Mohammed’s family in Canada and with making several other refugee friends who were in the early stages of their immigration journey, I have had the opportunity to see a more up close and personal what the resettlement process looks like. A lot of things have gone right largely because of the formidable power that is Mohammed. But some steps just kill momentum. Like trying (and failing) to sign up for government-sponsored English classes and ending up on months-long waiting lists when your sponsorship period is only 12 months. Or not knowing many English-speaking Canadians with whom you can practice your English while you wait for classes. Or waiting in limbo for 2 months for a work-permit or for 8 months for an asylum claim to get processed. And in spite of these barriers, all seem to be very excited about starting their new lives. Nedal was a dentist, pharmacist and a humanitarian and now wants nothing more than to open a Syrian restaurant in Vancouver. Zuhair graduated with a degree in accounting and finance now wants to become a make-up artist in the movie industry. Noor was an engineer and now wants to get into medical school. There are no flies on these folks. And if there are, it is because the immigration process holds them back. In the meantime, I keep having the privilege of enjoying amazing meal after amazing meal.
Some of this is a result of bureaucrazy (that was intentional), some is lack of current information (a problem we are trying to solve) and coordination. And some of the issues — like this language class issue — are imminently solvable if the political will is there to do so. We hope to move the bar on some of these issues in the coming year. And we are really excited that THIS WEEK, our Pathways App (which is about to be renamed Arrival Advisor) will start getting into the hands of newcomers for the first time!
Over in Jordan, our incredible team on the ground just hosted an important workshop with representatives from the UNDP, UNFPA, USAID, Generations for Peace, Edraak, the Jordan military and other organizations that are working to tackle extremism and date in digital spaces so we can better coordinate and collaborate in tackling these important issues that impact on peace in Jordan. Your support helps us to continue and grow these projects and our impact.
Thanks to everyone that has participated in our work, campaigns, projects, board and in our community at large. We are where we are today because of you! And if you haven’t donated yet, there are still just over 4 hours left! You can donate at www.peacegeeks.org/donate or www.giveitup4peace.org!
